American Cancer Society Applauds White House Proposal to Hold Big Tobacco Accountable for Teen Tobacco Use

American Cancer Society
Friday, 4 February 2000

The American Cancer Society, the nation's leading voluntary health organization, today praised the Clinton Administration's proposal to reduce teen smoking and hold tobacco companies financially accountable for underage tobacco use.

"Big Tobacco must take responsibility for the damage it has inflicted upon the health of our children," said John R. Seffrin, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of the American Cancer Society. "The tobacco industry claims to want to reduce teen tobacco use—this plan would light a fire under Big Tobacco and force them to back up their words with action."

The administration proposal calls for a $3,000 fine for every smoker under 18 if underage smoking isn't cut in half by 2004. The fines would remain in place until the 50 percent reduction goal is met. The American Cancer Society is also encouraged by the administration's proposal for a 25 cents-per-pack increase in federal excise taxes on cigarettes and Medicaid coverage for the costs of prescription and non-prescription smoking-cessation drugs. Additionally, the Society will continue to fight for substantial increases in funding for tobacco prevention and control programs at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and in the state legislatures, and advocates Medicare coverage for smoking cessation benefits and services.

"We are pleased to see the White House is continuing its commitment in the fight to break Big Tobacco's grip on our children," added Seffrin. "The American Cancer Society will continue to support efforts at all levels of government to reduce teen tobacco use."

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy and service.

For more information, or to contact American Cancer Society, see their website at: www.cancer.org